Senator Robinhood Padilla made a significant move on Wednesday by filing a bill aimed at enhancing Republic Act No. 11203, also known as the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL). The bill proposes to bolster the authority of the National Food Authority (NFA) in overseeing the rice supply chain, with the goal of stabilizing both the price and availability of rice while making it more affordable for Filipinos.
Senate Bill No. 2672 aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s push to amend the RTL and the NFA Charter, granting the national government more control over the local rice market.
Padilla emphasized the importance of restoring the NFA’s pivotal role in managing the country’s rice supply chain. He believes that with the proposed amendments, the NFA will be better equipped to regulate supply functions and ensure price stability, ultimately making cheaper rice more accessible to disadvantaged Filipinos.
In addition to empowering the NFA, the bill proposes the establishment of a Rice Industry Development-Program Management Office (RID-PMO). This office aims to foster a comprehensive approach and enhance collaboration among rice-related agencies and stakeholders.
Under SB 2672, the NFA would be tasked with various responsibilities, including the registration of all grains warehouses, maintenance of a national warehouse database, and monitoring compliance with rice quality and supply standards. The bill also allows for the utilization of existing inventories during emergencies and grants the NFA authority to import rice under specific conditions.
Furthermore, the bill extends the validity of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) and increases its annual appropriation to further support Filipino farmers. It also proposes the utilization of excess tariff revenues for rice-based crop diversification initiatives.
Senator Padilla highlighted the importance of the proposed measures in ensuring a robust rice supply chain and improving the livelihoods of Filipino farmers. Through collaborative efforts and strategic interventions, he aims to address key challenges in the rice industry and promote sustainable agricultural development in the Philippines.
